Actor Kim Soo-hyun says he's happy to be greeting fans again in brand ambassador video after 16-month hiatus
Kim Soo-hyun appeared in an Instagram post by lifestyle brand Bench, marking his first official promotional activity since he suspended his career following allegations about his relationship with late actor Kim Sae-ron.
Actor Kim Soo-hyun at the 60th Baeksang Arts Awards at Coex in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, on May 7, 2024YONHAP
Actor Kim Soo-hyun greeted fans for the first time in about 16 months after he suspended activities following allegations about his past relationship with late actor Kim Sae-ron, which authorities recently found to be false.
“I’ve really missed you,” he said with a smile ina video posted on the official Instagram account of Philippine lifestyle brand Bench on Sunday. “I’m happy to be greeting you again after such a long time. I hope that you look forward to what’s ahead.”
Fans responded with messages of support in the comments.
The appearance marked Kim Soo-hyun’s first official promotional activity since his return to the public eye, when he was named Bench’s brandambassador.
Several items that he wore for the campaign reportedly sold out shortly after their release. A denim jacket marketed under the actor’s name sold out in all sizes on the brand’s online store.
Kim Soo-hyun stepped away from the spotlight last year after the family of Kim Sae-ron and Kim Se-ui, operator of the YouTube channel HoverLab, claimed that he had been in a relationship with the late actor while she was still a minor. Kim Soo-hyun denied the allegations and pursued legal action.
Actor Kim Soo-hyun, center, in a post on the official Instagram account of Bench, a Philippine lifestyle and clothing brandSCREEN CAPTURE
Police decided last month not to refer the cases — alleging that he violated the Child Welfare Act and made false accusations to prosecutors — due to insufficient evidence.
“We hope more people will judge the matter based on objectively verified facts,” Kim Soo-hyun’s legal representative said.
Disney+ has yet to announce a release date for “Knock Off,” a series featuring the actor. The drama had completed filming and was originally scheduled to premiere in April last year, but the release was postponed following the controversy.
BY HYEON YE-SEUL [shin.woojin@joongang.co.kr]
This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
